- Electroless Nickel Phosphorus
Super-strong, time-tested solution.
KC Jones brings more than six decades of expertise to plating projects and offers a wide range of functional coatings. We operate several rack and barrel systems primarily for Big 3 automotive and for Tier 1 suppliers. KC Jones operates three electroless nickel lines at Hazel Park (including aluminum capabilities). It has a fourth electroless nickel line at our Indiana Division in Columbia City, Indiana.
Electroless Nickel Plating SOLUTION & Benefits
Electroless nickel coatings offer uniform thickness, high hardness, and natural lubricity, which makes it a great corrosion protection and wear resistance option. To increase its wear-resistant capabilities, it can be treated by heat and by the co-deposition of particulate matter such as silicon carbide, diamond, alumina, fluorinated carbon, and polytetrafluoroethylene. Based on its corrosion resistance, wear resistance, lubricity, and uniform deposit thickness, it is often applied to heat sinks, pistons, engine bearings, hose couplings, gear assemblies, carburetor parts, fuel injectors, shock absorbers, and exhaust system components.
Electroless nickel is a dense nickel alloy composed of nickel and phosphorus. Phosphorus content ranges from 2% to 14%, depending on the specific application and performance requirements.
Low Phosphorus (2-4%) Electroless Nickel Plating
2 to 4% P coatings are microcrystalline and possess high deposit hardness (620 to 750 HK 100). These coatings are used in applications requiring abrasion and wear resistance.
Lower phosphorus deposits between 1 and 3% P are also microcrystalline. They are used in electronic applications and provide solderability, bondability, increased electrical conductivity, and resistance to strong alkali solutions.
Mid Phosphorus (5-9%) Electroless Nickel Plating
Mid phosphorus deposits between 5 and 9% P are widely used to meet general wear and corrosion resistance requirements, especially in automotive applications.
High Phosphorus (10-14%) Electroless Nickel Plating
Coatings with more than 10% P have superior salt-spray and acid resistance in a wide range of applications. They are used on beryllium and titanium parts for low-stress properties, which is why they are used frequently in the oil and gas industry.
Coatings with more than 11.2 % P are not considered ferromagnetic.
Environmentally Aware, No Matter the Application
KC Jones employs newer, more environmentally friendly processes for its electroless nickel phosphorus plating. Regardless of the application, KC Jones EN meets the following initiatives, regulations, and specifications:
- Automotive End of Life Vehicle (ELV)
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
